The Patriots and the Pox

The true story of General George Washington’s brave decision to inoculate his troops against smallpox during the American Revolution.

This nonfiction picture book for kids ages 7–10 shows how vaccines save lives and spread freedom.

General George Washington is fighting not only the British, but a second enemy. It’s silent and deadly—a threat to his entire army: smallpox.

Smallpox was common in crowded Britain, so most of the Redcoats were immune. But few American colonists had faced the disease before. Outbreaks spread through the Continental Army like wildfire. George ordered quarantines, isolation for sick soldiers, and harsh punishments for anyone who broke the rules. 

But after facing defeat after defeat, from both the British and the disease, a horrible, undeniable truth echoed inside George: smallpox was inescapable. George knew his only chance was to inoculate his entire army.